Wild weather in early July washed away 200 metres of the track along Long Swamp at Haywards Beach. The storm event resulted in cliffs where vegetation fell away, taking the track with it. The 1.2-kilometre Long Swamp track is on Crown Land and is managed by a volunteer group, the Bermagui Flora and Fauna Reserve Land Manager (BFFRLM), on behalf of Crown Lands.

Crown Lands told BFFRLM that the full length of the track will be closed indefinitely because it is an identified coastal erosion zone and deemed unsuitable for further infrastructure, meaning the track cannot be rebuilt.

BFFRLM’s concern is remediation of the precious wetland area after it has been assessed by a Crown Lands expert. Another priority is preventing the freshwater swamp from being breached by the ocean. It has a unique substrate that doesn’t allow interchange between the swamp’s fresh water and the ocean’s salt water.

The track has been well-used by walkers and cyclists, both locals and visitors. A government spokesperson said Crown Lands can offer support and advice to the Council and BFFRLM on the track, but any future repair works would be subject to confirmation of feasibility and funding availability. Given safety and environmental issues, a high temporary fence has been erected at either end of the track. This will give the area time to stabilise and the impact of king tides at year’s end can be monitored.

However, before the fence was erected, there was evidence that a motorcycle had been in the area and cut across the remaining dune vegetation. The community’s cooperation in respecting the fragile nature of the reserve would be appreciated. The Bermagui Community Forum hopes a cycle- and walk-friendly path can be constructed as it has been important to the Bermagui and Wallaga Lake communities and is a significant tourist attraction and town asset.

Marion Williams

Photos

The terrible devasation of Long Swamp track (above) and the track in better days (below)  Photos: Jo Lyons.